Put Mom First!

I have a confession: I am a better talker than doer!

Last November I wrote about self-care:
“Self-care should not only be what we teach our children with a bleeding disorder.  We have to practice self-care for ourselves.  Our children learn more from watching us anyway.  If they see us taking the time to care for ourselves, such as, by going to a doctor’s appointment to follow up on our own healthcare, exercising, eating right for our body, and doing things that bring joy to our spirit, then they truly will learn what self-care is and as a result, we will all be better care takers..” – Infusing Love, Following My Own Example
I truly believe what I wrote. Unfortunately, I was not consistent in making self-care a priority this past year.
Self-care is so important for caregivers that the Caregiver Action Network has themed this year’s National Family Caregivers Month as, “Respite: Care for Caregivers.“  Respite is defined as the chance for a caregiver to take a breather and have the opportunity to re-energize. We have to evoke the mindset that as caregivers we can’t give to anyone else, if we don’t give to ourselves first!
This past September I took a look in the mirror and said, “You have to do better with self-care.”  Not only did I have to get back to regularly doing creative activities that bring me joy, I needed to control my weight.
At the end of this year, I will turn forty. On my personal vision board, I was fit at 40! So when school started and the twins were finally off to kindergarten, I signed myself up for a fitness boot camp. I didn’t tell my family I was going and didn’t feel the need to because they were at school and work — this was my time and my little secret.
My cover was blown a few weeks ago when my husband was off from work. I was getting ready to sneak off to boot camp by telling him that I was headed to our regular gym. He decided he wanted to join me for a work out! However, boot camp takes place at another gym and I didn’t want to miss class, so I had to confess my little secret.
My family has been very supportive since they found out. On his way out to school in the mornings, my oldest son will often ask, “Going to boot camp today?” It took me by surprise the first time he asked because I could tell by his tone that he really was asking and being supportive. I am showing my son that taking care of your health is important. I hope that message will carry over for him to stay on his prophylaxis schedule to circumvent any hemophilia health related issues and extend his own quality of life.
I again remind myself and you this National Caregiver Month. We have to take care of ourselves, so we can continue to be better “Hemo Moms.” Your family will support you doing this. Our families know how much we do for them. In the end, your family will receive more because you will have more to give!
 
Lovee’ lives in South Carolina with her husband, Charles, and her children, MaRee’, Marques, Laithan and Layla.